Birthdays are markers of a person's sojourn through life, from the moment, hour and day they were born to the present day, time and age they're celebrating. It's clear that such a time is one of celebration; being appreciative of the journey and years spent so far, with some achievements counting along, hopefully. A highlight of such a time is that there could be gifts, presents and surprises. Yes, surprises.
Say, on my 20th birthday, a sweet 20 celebration, amidst the gifts and presents hopefully received, a surprise drops like a bombshell. As the prompt read, “You’ve lived an average life up until today, your 20th birthday. You just found out that your dad is the runaway son of a doting criminal warlord, and your mom is the daughter of an equally doting secret agent. Both family businesses are looking to make you the next heir. What do you do?”
Now that's a handful of surprise, and certainly not one I would want on a grand 20th birthday, not at all. Firstly, the shock alone could be enough to start the electrification process of some electrical power supply to a medium. I mean, a criminal organisation on one end, and a secret agency on the other? Two extremities that you don't find people jumping into quite easily.
Not to forget, we're talking of a boy who has lived an average life; contended or not, but this seems to be way off the radar. While it would certainly come as a shock, I would wish to count what the “benefits” could be like. Talk of the secret agency; there's that access to information, resources and a level of power at my disposal. Privileges are due here. Then the criminal organisation; of course, there would be that power, financial and property benefits on my side.
Image is mine.
The big question would be, “To what end?” After aligning with either party, what end would be the cause? What would it feel like at the end; perhaps eventually the leader of a multi-million powerful criminal incorporation/organisation, or a successful high-ranking secret agent? I guess the noble thing would be taking the path of the secret agency, right? It has its dangerous sides, but it looks honourable to track and alleviate bad deeds.
However, a deeper thought brings to realisation that both parents of mine are not involved in their respective family “businesses.” Maybe that should be something to consider. For something that their parents are involved in, and now want me to be a part of, why were they not involved themselves? There could be a wise story behind the scenes that would give me a good sense of direction on what to do and not do.
Maybe till I find that out, I won't be taking a leap of hope and faith in any of the directions calling me forth to a heirship. One thing for certain though would be that I won't be shaking hands in agreement with the criminal side of this ordeal. For some reason, I could change environment even. Why? Well, staying around such an environment could lead to some persuasion or a necessary need to get involved. Nevertheless, it's not a totally efficient way to escape this.
Image is mine.
While being born and raised in an average life, I guess I'll still have the honour and dignity to know when and how to make my choices, and rightly so. Not influenced by the “benefits” that both parties could present or offer.